Glynn Unified Command – Fact Sheet 2 – Version 1.1 – October 1, 2021
On Friday, October 1, 2021, members of the Executive Policy Group attended a high-level introduction to the National Incident Management System (NIMS). This training provided a broad overview of the processes and procedures followed by the Unified Command staff that allows systematic coordination between multijurisdictional and multidisciplinary partners to achieve goals identified in a common operating picture.
What is the Executive Policy Group?
The Executive Policy Group is made up of local senior elected and appointed officials, including members of the Brunswick Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office, the City of Brunswick, the College of Coastal Georgia, the Glynn County, the Glynn County School System and the Glynn County Sheriff’s Office. Seven members of the Executive Policy Group have been appointed as signatories for the Delegation of Authority needed to empower the Unified Command to make decisions for the community.
Who is in Charge Here?
There is no single incident commander because there is no single objective. All of the varied skillsets and education present within the eight members of the Unified Command that serve as Incident Commander (link to About Us) is considered in setting tactics and objectives. In much the same way that a wildfire that spreads across state lines will require careful coordination to support and make decisions, this event crosses the jurisdictional boundary of both the City of Brunswick and Glynn County. There are many in elected and appointed leadership and many local stakeholders that need to have their voices heard. To aid with internal communication with members of the Executive Policy Group, one of the Incident Commanders, Glynn County Police Department Captain Jeremiah Bergquist, serves as the chosen spokesperson for the group. For communications with partner agencies that are engaged in the planning and response efforts, Glynn County EMA Director Josh Bain has taken on the role of Liaison Officer. For external communications, a Joint Information Center prepares communication for the public and the media at the direction of Lead Public Information Officer Jay Sellers.
Why Isn’t More Information Being Made Available?
The Unified Command team takes into consideration all possible outcomes that may require deploying resources to support peaceful assembly. For the safety and security of both our first responders and citizens, much of that information cannot be shared. We also must be mindful in making any statements that may impact the selection of jurors for the trial. Our mission is to support peaceful local assemblies.
The Unified Command does not have direct involvement in the trial proceedings but will support the mission of the Glynn County Sheriff’s Office as they serve that trial process for the court system. Please rest assured that planning efforts are focused on giving you confidence that our community is in safe hands.
We look forward to seeing you at our town hall meeting on Thursday, October 14th from 6:00 to 8:00 at the Brunswick-Glynn County Library at 208 Gloucester St, Brunswick, GA 31520.
Unified Command Incident Commanders:
Brunswick Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office – Jody Ponsell
City of Brunswick Fire Department – Timothy White
City of Brunswick Police Department – Greg Post
College of Coastal Georgia Police Department – Bryan Sipe
Glynn County Board of Education Police Department – Rod Ellis
Glynn County Fire Department – Travis Johnson
Glynn County Police Department – Jeremiah Bergquist
Glynn County Sheriff’s Office – Justin Juliano